A comparison of two physical ability tests for firefighters

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Exercise Physiology
• Firefighting Safety

Background:

• Firefighting, particularly smoke diving, requires significant physical exertion.
• Standardized fitness tests are crucial for ensuring firefighters meet minimum physical requirements.
• The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (NLIA) mandates a specific laboratory treadmill test for firefighters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological demands of the NLIA treadmill test with a Canadian firefighting-specific field test.
• To determine if the Canadian field test is a viable alternative for assessing Norwegian firefighters' fitness.
• To evaluate the suitability of applied field tests versus laboratory tests for firefighter assessment.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two male professional firefighters participated in the study.
• Subjects underwent both the 8-min NLIA treadmill test and a 10-task Canadian field test.
• Physiological responses including peak oxygen uptake (VO₂), blood lactate concentration (BLC), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during both tests while wearing full firefighting gear.

Main Results:

• Both tests elicited similar peak oxygen uptake (VO₂) and blood lactate concentration (BLC).
• The Canadian field test had a shorter overall duration and less time spent at high VO₂.
• The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was lower for the Canadian field test compared to the NLIA test.

Conclusions:

• The Canadian firefighting field test is comparable in physiological demand to the NLIA laboratory test.
• The Canadian test may serve as a suitable alternative for Norwegian firefighters with minor adjustments.
• The Canadian field test's inclusion of specific firefighting tasks offers practical relevance not present in the laboratory test.